The Cliff's Edge Sizzles at Churchill

Although the final time might have been a little faster than he would have preferred, trainer Nick Zito was pleased with Monday's workout by The Cliff's Edge as the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) winner continued to prepare for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

With exercise rider Maxine Correa aboard, the son of Gulch owned by Robert LaPenta zipped five furlongs in :59 3/5 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13 2/5.

"It was a little too fast, but he did it on his own so I was real happy," Zito said. "Obviously, since he got to Kentucky he's really blossomed and he's done really well. Had he gone in 1:01, that would have been great...you always like to have everything as close to perfect as possible. One good about it is that Maxine assured me that he wanted to do it. I always say these good horses can train themselves."

Zito said The Cliff's Edge has always shown an affinity for Churchill Downs, where he won the 2003 Iroquois (gr. III) and Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II).